Showing posts with label midwest. Show all posts
Showing posts with label midwest. Show all posts

Monday, March 20, 2023

Sunset on Lake Michigan

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Sunset on Lake Michigan
acrylic paint of canvas
5" x 7" (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm)
201705050
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your home, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/253340151/sunset-on-lake-michigan-original-acrylic

My feet sink into the fine beach sand as I make my way toward the shoreline.  A case of beer and a bundle of wood in each hand.  The heat of the sun begins to give way to the cool breeze blowing off the lake.  The scent of the shoreline pairs perfectly with the changing colors of the sky.  The water splashing onto my feet as I let the day melt away.

Do we need more or is this enough?  Are there some things we can leave in the past?  Why bother with the future?  Right now is pretty good.

This painting would great in a space that is light red, orange, dark yellow, green, blue, purple, black, white, gray, beige, or wood.

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Mike Kraus was born on the industrial shoreline of Muskegon, Michigan. After earning his Fine Arts Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he attended Grand Valley State University for his graduate degree. From there, he gained varied experiences from the Chicago Architecture Center, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and Lurie Children's Foundation. And every place he worked, he had his sketchbook with him and found ways to be actively creative. In 2014, Kraus became a full-time artist by establishing Mike Kraus Art. Since then, he has sold thousands of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. Currently, Kraus lives in Rochester, New York with his beautiful wife and goofy dog.

For more information or custom order, please visit:
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Friday, February 3, 2023

Sunset on Lake Michigan

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Sunset on Lake Michigan
acrylic paint of canvas
16" x 20" (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm)
201705053
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your home, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/637376380/sunset-on-lake-michigan-original-acrylic

My feet sink into the fine beach sand as I make my way toward the shoreline.  A case of beer and a bundle of wood in each hand.  The heat of the sun begins to give way to the cool breeze blowing off the lake.  The scent of the shoreline pairs perfectly with the changing colors of the sky.  The water splashing onto my feet as I let the day melt away.

Do we need more or is this enough?  Are there some things we can leave in the past?  Why bother with the future?  Right now is pretty good.

This painting would great in a space that is light red, orange, dark yellow, green, blue, purple, black, white, gray, beige, or wood.


Mike Kraus was born on the industrial shoreline of Muskegon, Michigan. After earning his Fine Arts Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he attended Grand Valley State University for his graduate degree. From there, he gained varied experiences from the Chicago Architecture Center, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and Lurie Children's Foundation. And every place he worked, he had his sketchbook with him and found ways to be actively creative. In 2014, Kraus became a full-time artist by establishing Mike Kraus Art. Since then, he has sold thousands of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. Currently, Kraus lives in Rochester, New York with his beautiful wife and goofy dog.

For more information or custom order, please visit:
at No comments:

Friday, January 20, 2023

Chicago Alley

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Chicago Alley
acrylic paint on canvas board
16" x 20" (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm) 
201811125
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

The "L" train rattles and squeals after a long day at work.  Chauffeured home while reading a book and looking at the road rage of traffic below.  The backs of building pass by with their tangle of power lines and wonky patios.  This city has two side: a facade to show the world and a place where the real work gets done.  The alleys are somehow beautifully utilitarian.

What do you notice about your neighborhood?  Is it full of natural beauty or manmade?  Are there trees or have they all been removed?  Can you get places by walking and/or biking or are you forced to drive everywhere?  Where we live is who we are.

This painting would look best in a space that is red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, black, white, beige, grey, or wood

Join us for HELLO 2023! A 21-Day Happiness Challenge. We'll start by saying "hi" to each other, tell stories, build relationships, and (most of all) have fun: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10227568068843005&set=gm.542485097899464&idorvanity=305635098251133

Mike Kraus was born on the industrial shoreline of Muskegon, Michigan. After earning his Fine Arts Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he attended Grand Valley State University for his graduate degree. From there, he gained varied experiences from the Chicago Architecture Foundation, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Children's Memorial Foundation. And every place he worked, he had his sketchbook with him and found ways to be actively creative. In 2014, Kraus became a full-time artist by establishing Mike Kraus Art. Since then, he has sold thousands of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. Currently, Kraus lives in Rochester, New York with his beautiful wife and goofy dog.

For more information or custom order, please visit:
at No comments:

Friday, November 5, 2021

William Rainey Harper Memorial Library at The University of Chicago (UChicago)

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


William Rainey Harper Memorial Library at The University of Chicago (UChicago)
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202110091
© copyright Mike Kraus
We'd meet here in the morning before class.  The morning sun beaming as we'd prepare to study.  Learning more about each other than our scholarly topics.  Architecture like this is designed to make you believe in truth and things greater than ourselves.  We see that the possibilities are endless.

This piece would look best in a space that is dark red, yellow, green, blue, purple, black, white, grey, beige, or wood.


Mike Kraus was born on the industrial shoreline of Muskegon, Michigan. After earning his Fine Arts Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he attended Grand Valley State University for his graduate degree. From there, he gained varied experiences from the Chicago Architecture Foundation, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Children's Memorial Foundation. And every place he worked, he had his sketchbook with him and found ways to be actively creative. In 2014, Kraus became a full-time artist by establishing Mike Kraus Art. Since then, he has sold thousands of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. Currently, Kraus lives in Rochester, New York with his beautiful wife and goofy dog.

For more information or custom order, please visit:
at No comments:

Wednesday, November 3, 2021

On the Shores of Lake Michigan

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


On the Shores of Lake Michigan #462
gouache on bristol paper
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
2.5" x 3.5" in a 4" x 5" frame  (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm in a 10.2 cm x 12.7 frame)
202110093
© copyright Mike Kraus

This artist trading card or ACEO (Art Card Editions and Originals) is frameable, collectible, enjoyable and can be given as a special gift for a birthday, wedding, new baby, anniversary, thank you or other occasion.  It is a one-of-a-kind original work of art, NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION. It is signed on the back and lends itself to framing in a standard trading card frame or book.

This piece would look best in a space that is red, orange, yellow, green, blue, dark purple, brown, beige, black, white, or wood


Mike Kraus was born on the industrial shoreline of Muskegon, Michigan. After earning his Fine Arts Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he attended Grand Valley State University for his graduate degree. From there, he gained varied experiences from the Chicago Architecture Foundation, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Children's Memorial Foundation. And every place he worked, he had his sketchbook with him and found ways to be actively creative. In 2014, Kraus became a full-time artist by establishing Mike Kraus Art. Since then, he has sold thousands of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. Currently, Kraus lives in Rochester, New York with his beautiful wife and goofy dog.

For more information or custom order, please visit:
at No comments:

Monday, January 18, 2021

Great Grandfather's Church

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Great Grandfather's Church #349
charcoal on paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
202002006
© copyright Mike Kraus

This artist trading card or ACEO (Art Card Editions and Originals) is frameable, collectible, enjoyable and can be given as a special gift for a birthday, wedding, new baby, anniversary, thank you or other occasion.  It is a one-of-a-kind original work of art, NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION. It is signed on the back and lends itself to framing in a standard trading card frame or book.


Mike Kraus was born on the industrial shoreline of Muskegon, Michigan. After earning his Fine Arts Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he attended Grand Valley State University for his graduate degree. From there, he gained varied experiences from the Chicago Architecture Foundation, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Children's Memorial Foundation. And every place he worked, he had his sketchbook with him and found ways to be actively creative. In 2014, Kraus became a full-time artist by establishing Mike Kraus Art. Since then, he has sold hundreds of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. Currently, Kraus lives in Rochester, New York with his beautiful wife and goofy dog.

at 2 comments:

Friday, January 8, 2021

Campanile At Iowa State University

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty 


Campanile At Iowa State University
acrylic paint on canvas board
16" x 20 (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm)
202010102
© copyright Mike Kraus

A remote-learning final semester and virtual graduation seems like an appropriate situation for an independent, easy-going, software engineer.  Yet, days on the  Iowa State University (https://www.iastate.edu/) campus are full of experiences and a lifetime of memories.  Recollections that seem both forever ago and all too recent.  Now, there are new adventures with a great career opportunity at Capital One (capitalone.com) in the exciting city of Washington DC.  With the support of his family, he's taken the first step toward a successful life.





Mike Kraus was born on the industrial shoreline of Muskegon, Michigan. After earning his Fine Arts Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he attended Grand Valley State University for his graduate degree. From there, he gained varied experiences from the Chicago Architecture Foundation, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Children's Memorial Foundation. And every place he worked, he had his sketchbook with him and found ways to be actively creative. In 2014, Kraus became a full-time artist by establishing Mike Kraus Art. Since then, he has sold hundreds of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. Currently, Kraus lives in Rochester, New York with his beautiful wife and goofy dog.

at No comments:

Wednesday, January 6, 2021

Darrel the Barrel

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Darrel the Barrel
acrylic paint on canvas board
5" x 7" (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm)
201912117
© copyright Mike Kraus
or
https://society6.com/product/darrel-the-barrel-by-mike-kraus-art-milwaukee-wisconsin-muskegon-michigan-great-lakes-traffic-cone_sticker?sku=s6-18579538p65a211v751a212v753

Most epic journeys are unexpected.  An anonymous traffic barrel in Milwaukee accidentally fell into Lake Michigan and became a celebrity 120 miles (194 km) away in Muskegon, Michigan.  This unexpected Wisconsin ambassador has been highlighting the craft breweries, festivals, museums, and beaches easily in reach by the Lake Express fast ferry.  More of Darrel the Barrel's adventures at:  https://www.mlive.com/news/g66l-2019/10/a90f3970e43847/darrel-the-barrel-washed-up-on-beach-becomes-instant-muskegon-celebrity.html 

Mike Kraus was born on the industrial shoreline of Muskegon, Michigan. After earning his Fine Arts Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he attended Grand Valley State University for his graduate degree. From there, he gained varied experiences from the Chicago Architecture Foundation, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Children's Memorial Foundation. And every place he worked, he had his sketchbook with him and found ways to be actively creative. In 2014, Kraus became a full-time artist by establishing Mike Kraus Art. Since then, he has sold hundreds of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. Currently, Kraus lives in Rochester, New York with his beautiful wife and goofy dog.

For more information or custom order, please visit:
at No comments:

Friday, September 6, 2019

Life on the American Plains

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty 


Life on the American Plains
acrylic paint on wooden panel
30" x 80" (76.2 cm x 203.2 cm)
201908076
© copyright Michael Kraus
To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/215816307/life-on-the-american-plains-original

Thanks to everyone who came out for my Brightscapes art opening. I really appreciate it.

For those who were unable to make it, we missed you. But, there's still an opportunity to see the show along with art by Nora Gelb Designs, Ann Dauphin, David Tay, and Kim Gagnier-Lester, guest chef Chris Hobaica , music by: Nick LeDuc, Ryan Barski, Tuesday extended Happy Hours, Wednesday $1 oysters, Thursday no corkage, and so much more.

1369 Pittsford Mendon Rd
Mendon, New York 14506
(585) 433-9464



For up to date information, please visit:  



To see more of Mike Kraus' artwork, please visit: MikeKrausArt.etsy.com  



Michael Kraus was born on the industrial shoreline of Muskegon, Michigan. After earning his Fine
Arts Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he attended Grand Valley State
University for his graduate degree. From there, he gained varied experiences from the Chicago
Architecture Foundation, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies,
Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Children's Memorial Foundation. And every place he
worked, he had his sketchbook with him and found ways to be actively creative. In 2014, Kraus
became a full-time artist by establishing Mike Kraus Art. Since then, he has sold hundreds of
paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. Currently, Kraus lives in
Rochester, New York with his beautiful wife and goofy dog.

at 2 comments:

Friday, July 19, 2019

Kent Hall at the University of Chicago

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Kent Hall at University of Chicago
acrylic paint on canvas board
16" x 20" (cm x cm)
201907062
© copyright Mike Kraus
For more information, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/186507940/custom-commission-original-artwork-by
Many days and nights were spent at Kent Hall on the University of Chicago campus (https://www.uchicago.edu/).  He's passionate about "organic chemistry total synthesis" and just received his Masters Degree.  A devotion that will continue at Scripps Research Institute (https://www.scripps.edu/campuses/florida/) working toward his Ph.D.  While on a journey it's important to commemorate milestones and the friends, colleagues, and mentors we've made on the way.  To remember where we came from when we eventually find our success.



More About Mike Kraus Art
My NPR Marketplace Business News interview about art as an alternative investment

Graphic Ear Interview on WAYO 104.3 FM

Michael Kraus was born on the industrial shoreline of Muskegon, Michigan. After earning his Fine Arts Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he attended Grand Valley State University for his graduate degree. From there, he gained varied experiences from the Chicago Architecture Foundation, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Children's Memorial Foundation. And every place he worked, he had his sketchbook with him and found ways to be actively creative. In 2014, Kraus became a full-time artist by establishing Mike Kraus Art. Since then, he has sold hundreds of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. Currently, Kraus lives in Rochester, New York with his beautiful wife and goofy dog.

at No comments:

Friday, June 21, 2019

Eckhart Hall

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Eckhart Hall at the University of Chicago
acrylic paint on canvas board
201906051
16" x 20" (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm)
© copyright Mike Kraus

And just like that, her son is a UChicago (https://www.uchicago.edu/) college graduate.  Goodbye UChicago and hello Cornell (https://www.cornell.edu/)!  She raised him right and shares in his early successes.  And she wanted a piece to commemorate this impressive milestone.  What an exciting time for this young man. 

More About Mike Kraus Art
My NPR Marketplace Business News interview about art as an alternative investment

Graphic Ear Interview on WAYO 104.3 FM

Michael Kraus was born on the industrial shoreline of Muskegon, Michigan. After earning his Fine Arts Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he attended Grand Valley State University for his graduate degree. From there, he gained varied experiences from the Chicago Architecture Foundation, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Children's Memorial Foundation. And every place he worked, he had his sketchbook with him and found ways to be actively creative. In 2014, Kraus became a full-time artist by establishing Mike Kraus Art. Since then, he has sold hundreds of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. Currently, Kraus lives in Rochester, New York with his beautiful wife and goofy dog.

at No comments:

Wednesday, November 21, 2018

Chicago Alley

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


 Chicago Alley
acrylic paint on canvas board
16" x 20" (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm) 
201811125
© copyright Mike Kraus
To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/243101275/chicago-alley-original-acrylic-painting
After a long day of work in the Loop, I take the "L" train home.  It's so much better reading a book on public transit than fighting road rage in a traffic jam.  And today I'm just watching all the buildings pass by.  The brown line runs at street level in the alleys after the Western stop.  The alleys are somehow beautifully utilitarian. 

This painting would look best in a space that is red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, black, white, beige, grey, or wood

More About Mike Kraus Art


Michael Kraus was born on the industrial shoreline of Muskegon, Michigan. After earning his Fine Arts Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he attended Grand Valley State University for his graduate degree. From there, he gained varied experiences from the Chicago Architecture Foundation, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Children's Memorial Foundation. And every place he worked, he had his sketchbook with him and found ways to be actively creative. In 2014, Kraus became a full-time artist by establishing Mike Kraus Art. Since then, he has sold hundreds of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. Currently, Kraus lives in Rochester, New York with his beautiful wife and goofy dog.

For more information or custom order, please visit:

at No comments:
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